Branson businesses show gratitude to city of Branson Public Works/Engineering & Utilities employees during National Public Works Appreciation Week for their demonstrated excellence and commitment to maintain clean water and protect investment in city infrastructure during recent flood incidents.

Branson, MO (May 22, 2017) – This year, more than 29,000 cities across America are celebrating the 2017 ‘National Public Works Appreciation Week’ in recognition of the many ways public works connects people and businesses through essential services and structures that ensure a higher quality of life for our communities. Under the 2017 theme “Public Works Connects Us,” City of Branson employees of the Public Works and Utilities departments are being honored by the very people and businesses who recognize the significance of the work performed by these employees, highlighting their appreciation of the long hours city staff worked during the recent Southwest Missouri flood to maintain clean water systems and protect infrastructure and other city resources when Lake Taneycomo crested in areas of downtown Branson, Missouri.

Branson Mayor Karen Best states “I am so proud of every one of our city employees who work so well across their departments to ensure a safe, sound and clean foundation for Branson’s visitors, residents and business owners to enjoy. It is my pleasure to present a City of Branson Proclamation today in honor of those whose knowledge, expertise and skillsets are critical to designing, building and maintaining our city’s infrastructure and clean water systems, contributing greatly to our quality of life. I personally want to also thank those community members who have chosen to give back in a way that communicates to these employees how much they are appreciated for the excellent work they perform every day throughout the community.”

Some of Branson’s finest businesses and venues have joined together to show their gratitude to those responsible for connecting people to and throughout the Branson community by ensuring the quality and accessibility of its streets, roads, bridges, and clean water and sanitation services at the foundation of the thriving tourism-dependent city of Branson that hosts more than 8-million visitors annually.

As part of the annual National Public Works Appreciation Week, the Branson Convention Center (www.BransonCC.com) provided a catered Bar-B-Q lunch to approximately 90 employees of the Branson Public Works and Utilities departments; those same employees will be treated to coffee, donuts and muffins by historian Jim Babcock at the Branson Centennial Museum (www.Facebook.com/BCM1912) in Historic Downtown Branson on Wednesday, May 24; CiCi’s Pizza (https://www.facebook.com/Cicis) is providing a pizza buffet on Wednesday, compliments of owners Nolan and Babette Fogle, and the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB (www.BransonChamber.com and (www.ExploreBranson.com) will serve afternoon snacks on Thursday, May 25. Branson Public Works/Engineering and Utilities employees are also invited to attend the hot new show “Raiding the Country Vault” at Starlite Theatre (www.StarliteTheatre.com) on Thursday, May 25 at 7:30PM with free admission to these employees, and a discounted rate for their guests of $15 plus tax.

Community members will have the opportunity to personally visit with members of Branson Public Works/Engineering and Utilities departments during the Branson City Hall Open House on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 from 4:00-6:00PM. A favorite for kids, the City of Branson vehicles and construction/maintenance equipment will be on display along with vehicles of the Branson Police and Branson Fire Rescue departments. Following the Mayor’s welcome and presentation of colors by the Branson Fire Department Honor Guard, attendees can assemble in the Council Chambers where Fire Chief Ted Martin will present a “Ted Talks” mini-series at 4:15PM sharing the ways city departments work together to ensure a safe, informed community during a flood emergency or other extreme weather incident experienced in the Ozarks. He will also share emergency preparedness resources for citizens and businesses. Police Chief Stan Dobbins will follow at 4:45PM with a short discussion on the role of police officers in emergency operations to secure evacuated neighborhoods and provide assistance to emergency management personnel. A drawing for a NOAA weather radio will be held between sessions. Refreshments will be served in the foyer of Branson City Hall and departments will showcase their projects and functions throughout the building.

According to the American Public Works Association (APWA), “This year National Public Works Week celebrates the vital role public works plays in connecting us all together. As the cornerstone of civilization, public works provides, maintains, and improves the structures and services that assure a higher quality of life for our communities. APWA proudly salutes and thanks the tens of thousands of public works professionals who work tirelessly throughout North America every day to strengthen the bond that keeps us all connected.” For more information, visit http://missouri.apwa.net.

Media inquiries related to this content may be directed to Jennifer Langford, Communications Manager, City of Branson at JLangford@BransonMO.govor by calling 417.337.0017.

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About the City of Branson, Missouri: Located in Southwest Missouri, the City of Branson is committed to its citizens and to those who visit here, to ensure a safe and environmentally sound community. We will work as a team to maintain and promote the growth of our City, and to provide professional, courteous service to all through fair and open communication. We look to tomorrow, remembering yesterday, dedicated to excellence today.